ESPN Analyst Highlights Hogs’ Defensive Coordinator for Recognition
Defense turns heads around the country after Tennessee game, including one of top college football analysts
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas Razorbacks defensive coordinator Travis Williams is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top assistant coaches in college football, particularly after his defense shut down Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
The Volunteers, who entered the game ranked among the best in the country in several offensive categories — including No. 1 in scoring (54 points per game), No. 4 in rushing offense (290 yards per game), and No. 3 in total offense (586 yards per game) — were held to just 14 points, 332 total yards, 176 rushing yards, and 156 passing yards from redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Williams’ defensive strategy earned praise from ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who was calling the game as the Razorbacks secured a 19-14 win over the No. 4 Volunteers.
The strategy focused on disrupting the Volunteers’ offense with movement along both the inside and outside of the defensive line. Arkansas’ pre-snap shifts confused Tennessee’s linemen, leading to four false starts.
Another key improvement for Arkansas was tightening up their perimeter defense, limiting Tennessee’s skill players from breaking to the outside. The Razorbacks frequently utilized a 3-2-6 defensive formation, forcing the Volunteers to fight for every yard gained.
Arkansas Razorbacks defensive coordinator Travis Williams continues to rise as one of the top assistant coaches in college football, especially after his defense effectively shut down Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
Heading into the game, Tennessee was among the nation’s best in multiple offensive categories, ranking first in scoring (54 points per game), fourth in rushing (290 yards per game), and third in total offense (586 yards per game). However, Williams’ defense held them to just 14 points and 332 total yards, limiting them to 176 rushing yards and 156 passing yards from redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who called the game, commended Williams’ defensive strategy during Arkansas’ 19-14 upset victory over the No. 4 Volunteers.
While Arkansas’ victory over a Top 5 team at home could have been the upset of the week, Vanderbilt’s historic win over No. 1 Alabama took that honor, giving Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea the top spotlight.
Arkansas’ defensive strategy involved pre-snap movement along the defensive line, which confused Tennessee’s linemen, contributing to four false starts. The Razorbacks also focused on shoring up their perimeter defense and frequently ran a 3-2-6 scheme, forcing Tennessee to fight for every yard.
According to Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, Williams implemented his game plan starting Sunday night, with the team practicing it throughout the week. Arkansas used a combination of odd fronts, four-man rushes, and zero blitzes to disrupt Tennessee’s offense. Pittman praised Williams for not only executing an effective defensive game plan but also instilling confidence in the players to shut down one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.
